10 and Under Tennis

Originally developed to bring kids into the game by utilizing specialized equipment, shorter court dimensions and modified scoring tailored to age and size, 10 and Under Tennis is also ideal for individuals with disabilities or with differing abilities and circumstances. For seniors, it's a perfect alternative to the game of Pickleball.

10 and Under Tennis is divided into two different levels -- ages 8 and under and ages 10 and under -- though it can be used for kids and players of all ages. It's the fast, fun way to get kids into tennis -- and to keep them playing for life.

The USTA's 10 and Under Tennis recreational on-court training videos showcase practice plans for age groups 5-6, 7-8 and 9-10. Increase your knowledge and personal skills/drills library by engaging with these informative videos that showcase activities to get kids having fun and playing tennis right away. Ideal for coaches and parents, the videos may be viewed here.

Also, it's easy to add blended lines to your facility. For more, watch this video documenting the process of striping 36- and 60-foot lines on a 78-foot court with interviews from the tennis director at the facility and the contractors who striped them.

Click here to view more videos on 10 and Under Tennis, ranging from growing your business and easy court set-up to the tournament rule change.

Painting permanent lines for youth tennis 36-foot and 60-foot courts at your facility is a big step toward building and supporting a format that will change the face of youth tennis in America. These lines do not affect play for players using the traditional 78-foot court.

Click here to explore 10 and Under Tennis design concepts, ranging from shared lines and permanent courts to playground stripes, as well as tips for professionals when painting permanent lines on courts.

For accurate specifications to share with your contractor or painter, click here.

Converting existing courts into 10 and Under Tennis courts also creates demand for more adult courts as kids are moved onto the courts sized right for them.

In a decision that has fundamentally changed the future landscape of tennis in the United States, the USTA in 2011 passed new rules governing competition for 10-and-under tennis tournaments. The new rules require that 10-and-under tournaments be played using some combination of the slower-moving and lower-bouncing balls, smaller courts, and shorter, lighter racquets associated with 10 and Under Tennis.

This move follows the International Tennis Federation’s proposed rule change and took effect on Jan. 1, 2012.

The specifications for the revised system hold that all tournaments for those ages 9-10 be played on 60-foot courts using orange low-compression tennis balls and regulation nets (3 feet at the center), or, for those more experienced and more skilled players, on 78-foot courts with green lower-compression balls. Tournaments for those 8 and under are to be played on 36-foot courts using red foam balls and nets at a height of 2 feet, 9 inches.

In addition, most USTA Sections offer additional assistance to their communities for painting lines. If your section does not offer a 10 and Under Tennis Line Grant, contact your section or district office and ask how you can make this happen.